Redarc Brake Controller Install on 2017 TRD Sport (Step by Step w/ pics)

So you push the button and it applies the brakes on the trailer?

 

OP may weigh in with the technical details but yes, the button push is like tapping your truck brakes quickly to lose speed quickly. In case of a brake controlled it is a needed tool in event your trailer gets started into a death wobble or sway situation and you need to bring it back under control. ( Examples are being passed closely by an 18 wheeler/trailer or going down a steep grade with curves, these situations can cause sway.) For 98% of the time the controller has the ability to determine the situation and no need for a driver to touch the controller.

 

It does, but it bases it on the mode that you are in. When you are towing, there are 2 modes you can put the Redarc in:

1) Proportional Mode (Blue mode) - this is basically what is used 99% of the time. After you've dialed in the normal 'force' - when you push the pedal, Redarc scales the force of the brake from there automatically based on how fast you are hitting the pedal and decelerating
2) User Control Mode (Green mode) - When you push the brake pedal, the trailer brake force applied is fixed based on what (numeric) value you set it to regardless of how hard you push the truck's pedal and are decelerating


So back to 'pushing the button' - usually only used if a trailer starts swaying:
*If you are running in Proportional Mode and hit the button, it will apply light braking to the trailer (only) without pushing the truck's brake pedal
*If you are running in User Control Mode, it will apply the trailer brakes (only) at whatever 'force' setting you have the Redarc on (no scaling, automation, etc)


Below is a review from etrailer where they do a (basic) demo of the Redarc. May help as well
https://www.etrailer.com/tv-Demo-Redarc-Brake-Controller-331-EBRH-ACCV2.aspx

 

Thank you

 

Having had to use the manual slider proportionally in a highway emergency in my last tow rig, this was my first thought as well. It is a super clean install, and looks like a great unit, but the "button push" idea is still a bit of a concern.

 

I dunno - seems to work fine. I guess the difference is pushing a button and trusting a computer vs. sliding the slider. I hit it once in (blue) mode to see how it worked and it did as advertised....put light braking on (could feel the truck decel slightly) which should stop a sway condition. I believe you can also turn it while pushing and it would dial in more or less (but I didn’t test that).

 

Just ordered the redarc last night along with a switch spot for it. Plan on starting the install as soon as it arrive. I have new camper waiting to be picked up!

 

Finished install. Not sure if it's working. The light fades in and out blue whenever I push it. Hopefully that is normal. I'm heading to pick up the trailer tomorrow so I guess I'll find out then if it works or not.

Such a clean looking brake controller. I'm going to love not banging my knees on a box!

 

That’s normal for a while with no trailer attached.

Also When you plug up for the first time it will flash for the first 20-40 braking cycles while it learns it’s orientation. (Don’t have the manual in front of me, but the color patterns are in there). Caught me off guard the first time I towed with it but completely normal.

 

Awesome! Thank you for the write up. So much good info on this forum!

 

Thanks for the awesome writeup @RBaptist , I was able to get everything installed and looks/works great.

 

Great job on this write up! I bought one a while ago but haven't gotten around to the install. Finding this gave me a little motivation to get it done. I'll definitely be using some of your tricks.

 

Has anyone shortened the length of either harness, or just spliced as purchased?

 

I didn’t do it, but it won’t hurt it to do it. There’s lots of room back there behind the dash so I just coiled it and zip tied it. Figured if I took it out of the truck someday I’d have all the wire I needed - but truth be told I’ll end up selling it with the truck

 

Very nice write up!

 

Thanks for tutorial!! Thought about moving the Clutch Start Cancel switch up but would have had to slightly modify the switch plate. May do so in the future. Cant wait to test the performance of the Redarc. Thanks again!

 

I know this is an old post.
Saving this for my install!
Great write up this is exactly what i wanted to do!
Have had this controller in the cart for months now!

 

Just do it, man. Love mine. Currently on a 2 week camping trip with travel trailer and it has been working flawlessly.

Bonus: no brake controller is hitting my knee while driving

 

Ordered it all the other night! it's only money right? But looked at the parts store at brake boosters and they're all over $100 and are the big boxes so why not spend a little more money and get this SUPER clean install? Will look completely stock and thats the most enticing thing about it!
Should have everything in a week or so!

 

It’s a little more than some other options but it’s a really good controller *and* it looks stock. Mine is still going strong - zero complaints.